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Endeavor Always to Grow, Learn and Enhance
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Do you have or know a teenager, male or female, between the ages of thirteen and sixteen, who is heading in the wrong direction? Is the child lacking self-discipline, motivation, or the desire to succeed? Maybe the teen has poor grades, disregards house rules, makes poor choices, or is starting to associate with the wrong crowd. The answer may be the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Eagle Academy. The academy is a one-of-a-kind residential facility that has been changing lives since 1997.
The Eagle Academy is located on SR-80 (Southern Blvd.) outside of Belle Glade. Teens who are accepted into the program attend for one semester with the possibility of being invited back for a second semester. We are partnered with Palm Beach District Schools, who provide traditional classroom instruction through small class sizes. Our dedicated teaching staff is committed to the child's academic success and our drill instructors assist in the classroom for maximum effectiveness. Many of our teens arrive at the academy with grades of D's and F's and most leave with A's and B's. In the fall of 2008, the academy received an "A" rated designation.
Another facet of the academy is counseling, both group and individual, through our case management staff. Teens are instructed on topics such as basic life skills and moral reasoning-right versus wrong. We also offer tailored sessions to suit the child, such as anger control. Our aftercare program is in place to support your teen after he or she graduates from the academy. When our recruits are not with a case manager, they are supervised by our drill instructors through a military model.
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Our drill instructors are fully certified law enforcement officers who desire to work with at-risk teens. They mentor the recruits throughout the day from when they wake up in the morning until they go to bed at night in one of our bays. Our days are very full, starting with physical training before the crack of dawn. Many of our recruits develop lifelong healthy habits through exercise and proper nutrition. Our drill instructors teach the recruits dozens of skills and attributes, such as the proper making of a bed, ironing, study habits, and sportsmanship.
Turning around an impressionable teen takes more than just a commitment from the recruit - it also requires a concerted effort from the parents. Our weekly two-hour parent meetings are taught by a licensed expert in the field. Parents will be made aware of what their children are learning and taught the skills necessary for family harmony. It is imperative that the parent and child are on the same page.
So what do we charge for this invaluable life changing experience? Nothing-we only ask that you pay for uniforms and personal items. We will provide everything, including room and board! Sheriff Bradshaw is committed to continuing this program due not only to its impressive short-term results, but also as a long-term strategy. We know that when we can change the behavior of a young teen, there is a very good chance that he or she will be a productive and contributing member of society as an adult. We are now accepting applications for the upcoming semester. To schedule a tour or to get your questions answered call 561-992-1071.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Who qualifies to participate in the PBSO Eagle Academy program?
"At risk" boys and girls ages 13 to 16
Palm Beach County resident
Voluntary admission
Is there a fee to participate?
No.
Are there any other expenses or responsibilities to be covered by parent/guardian?
Yes. Uniforms and personal items (i.e. soap, sunscreen, and deodorant) must be purchased. Proof of a recent sports physical examination is required prior to entering the program.
Where will the recruits reside?
The Eagle Academy has separate boys and girls' barracks. Youths are supervised at all times.
Are meals provided?
Yes. Three nutritionally balanced meals and two snacks per day.
Are medical services provided?
Yes, a nurse is available 7 days a week - 24 hours a day.
Who sponsors the Academy?
The academy is fully funded by the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Is visitation allowed?
Yes, after 30 days weekly visits are mandatory by parent/guardian.
Is the Academy safe and secure?
Yes. The academy is supervised by sworn PBSO Deputy Sheriffs and other professional staff. The staff includes: a Captain, Lieutenant, Sergeants, Corporals, Drill Instructors and Case Managers (Counselors).
Is education provided?
Yes, education is provided in partnership with the Palm Beach County School District.
Does the academy experience assist parents/guardians in exercising parental authority?
Yes. Licensed counselor(s) provide classes to improve parenting skills at mandatory weekly meetings.
Are there any recreational or sports programs available for the recruits?
Yes. A variety of physical activities are offered to improve self-esteem, physical conditioning, anger management and team building
Can parents/guardians force their child to attend the program?
No. The program is successful in part because the youth has volunteered for this challenging residential program.
Who oversees the Academy's operations?
The Department of Juvenile Justice, in partnership with the PBSO, provides quality assurance inspections and recommendations.
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To Apply Contact:
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Eagle Academy
38800 S.R. 80
Belle Glade, FL 33430
Phone: (561)992-1071
(561)688-3245
Fax: (561)992-1075
Download Application
Special thanks to our partners at the Eagle Academy Foundation 501(c)(3).
Visit the foundation at www.TheEagleFoundation.org.
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